Whether you have a dog or a cat, having the best flooring for your pets can make your life much easier. Not having to worry about claw marks can ensure peace of mind for renters and home owners, while the best flooring for pet urine can make cleaning an accident a breeze. So before contacting a local flooring company, here’s what you need to know.
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Best Flooring for Dogs
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Stone and Tile | Sturdiest, easiest to clean, hard and cold on your pet’s feet. |
| Vinyl | Low-maintenance, more affordable than stone. |
| Laminate | Hardwood feel, stain resistant, slippery. |
| Bamboo | Sustainable and pet-resistant. |
| Cork | Resembles hardwood, withstands bacteria, is not entirely “pet-proof”. |
Having a small puppy or a large golden retriever will definitely spark joy in your life. Unfortunately, it might also harm you home’s floors if you don’t have the best flooring for your pet. If you’re remodeling, or looking into renting or buying, you should think about the type of floor that can best help you out.
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Stone and Tile
The best option is to use tile or stone. Both are fully water- and stain-resistant and are very easy to clean. A good stone or tile will last a long time, especially when you use a designated stone cleaner, and can withstand pretty much anything your pet might do to it. Not to mention they add a classic look to any home.
Their only downside is that they are hard and cold, which means they might not feel luxurious to your pet’s little feet. You can fix this by installing heated floors if you own your home, but this might not be an option for renters. Either way, stone or tile is the first material you should consider when looking for the best flooring for pets.
Vinyl
Another great option for flooring is vinyl. With many options for luxury vinyl on the market, you can easily find models that look like natural stone or hardwood floors to easily match your home’s design. Even though it doesn’t feel as good as real stone or tile, it’s definitely the most durable flooring for dogs.
In addition, using luxury vinyl is much cheaper than real stone or hardwood, so if you’re on a budget, this is probably the best option for you. Vinyl is also very easy to clean, so it is the best flooring for pet urine.
Laminate
Like vinyl, laminate flooring costs less than hardwood, but can give easily give you that desired look. It is water- and stain-resistant, and while it can scratch, those scratches will be barely noticeable on a laminate floor. If you’re planning on mostly playing with your dog indoors, make sure to get a textured top, as laminate tends to be slippery
Bamboo
Bamboo is scratch- and stain-resistant, and has a natural, wood look. It is also sustainable, with a low environmental impact. Like laminate, bamboo is one of the best wood floorings for dogs. Just make sure you are getting a type of bamboo that scores highly on hardness tests.
Cork
Cork is considered one of the best flooring materials for two main reasons. One, it is warm and comfortable for your dogs. And two, it is naturally resistant to mold and other bacteria, keeping your home healthier.
However, like other types of wood, cork can still scratch, and it is not entirely waterproof, so if you have a little puppy who still might go on your floors, you should clean it as fast as possible to avoid damage.
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Best Flooring for Cats
The main difference in choosing your flooring for cats instead of dogs should be considering how easily they scratch. That’s why Stone and vinyl are such popular flooring options for cats. If the cost of stone flooring installation is not a deal-breaker, it’s the best option as it easy to maintain and functions as a long-term solution. It can also boost your home’s style, as well as its resale value
Types of Floorings to Avoid
The main material you should not use if you’re planning on having your pets indoors is carpet. Unfortunately, carpeting will collect odors and will stain easily, not to mention the number of hairs it can collect if your pet tends to shed.
However, choosing a carpeted floor is the softest option on your little one’s feet. If you do decide to go with it, we recommend getting a good vacuum cleaner and stain remover. Talk to your flooring company beforehand to make sure you have the right kind for your carpet.
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